The third most common cancer, lung cancer, is the type of cancer wherein the cells in the lungs start dividing uncontrollably. This leads to the growth of tumors and cancerous cells that can spread to other body parts. Lung cancer is most often induced by smoking. Even though it affects men and women, it is more commonly diagnosed in men. This disease is fatal, but one can fight it with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of lung cancer

Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer. On average, eight out of 10 cases are caused due to the use of tobacco. Tobacco contains chemicals that damage your lungs and can cause this type of cancer to develop—the risk increases with the duration you have been smoking and the frequency with which you smoke. Even after quitting, the risk of lung cancer may decrease but is not completely eliminated.

Passive smoke
It is not just smokers who are at risk due to their habit. Even non-smokers who inhale second-hand smoke can contract this disease. When non-smokers breathe in tobacco smoke, they are also exposed to the cancer-causing elements, even though they might be in smaller quantities.

Radon exposure
The second major cause of lung cancer, radon exposure, can occur during radiation therapy or certain CT scans.

Exposure to deadly chemicals
Asbestos, uranium, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and some other chemical products can turn deadly when inhaled over a period of time.

Genetic history
If someone in your family has a history of lung cancer, the chances of you contracting it increase.

Pollution
If you reside in an area that is heavily polluted, such as near a factory emitting large amounts of fumes, it can increase your chances of contracting lung cancer.

Symptoms of lung cancer
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur when the disease is advanced. Some signs to look out for are:

• Chest pain
• Breathing trouble/shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• A persistent cough that gets worse over time
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss for no reason
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness of the voice
• Coughing up blood
• Bone pain

Over time, the severity of the symptoms may worsen. As the symptoms aren’t obvious in the early stages, lung cancer may be detected during scans done for other conditions or at an advanced stage.

Treatment of lung cancer
The choice of treatment is based on factors such as the stage of the disease, symptoms, age, and health of the patient.

​​ Surgery
This option is only viable if the cancer is in the lungs. Depending on the severity, the surgery would involve the removal of the tumor and a marginal amount of healthy tissue or the removal of the entire lung in severe cases.

Chemotherapy
In this type of treatment, pharmaceuticals are used to kill cancer cells. The pharmaceuticals may be administered orally or intravenously. They are given over a period of months, with recovery time given between each treatment. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery either to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery or to shrink cancer cells before surgery to make them easier to remove. For people at an advanced stage, it can be used to relieve pain.

Radiation therapy
This treatment kills cancer cells through the use of energy beams from sources such as X-rays. These high-energy beams are directed to precise points in the body. Similar to chemotherapy, this can also be used before and after surgery. Often, radiation and chemotherapy are used together when surgery isn’t an option. It can also be used in advanced lung cancer to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Diet
Even though there is no particular diet for lung cancer, it is suggested to opt for a balanced, nutritious diet which will help in boosting tolerance during treatment and aid in speedy recovery. Here are some foods you can add to your diet:

Protein
Excellent sources of protein that can help in cell and tissue repair are eggs, low-fat dairy, soy foods, nuts, and beans.

Carbohydrates
Whole grains, whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, and oatmeal are some items to consume to keep energy levels up.

Micronutrients
Fruits and vegetables are integral to a good diet as they are rich in antioxidants. You can consume them either cooked or raw.

Healthy fats
Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds provide your immune system with healthy fats, which can reduce inflammation in the body.

Regular exercise, consuming a healthy diet, rest, and most importantly, not smoking can greatly reduce the risk of lung cancer. An annual check-up, especially if you are at risk of developing lung cancer, can be useful for the early detection of this condition. If you notice any symptoms of the disease, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.